Mandrake

Mandragora autumnalis

Native to:
Algeria, Baleares, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Greece, Iran, Italy, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Morocco, Palestine, Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Tunisia, Türkiye

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Solanaceae
Genus:
Mandragora
Species:
Mandragora autumnalis
USDA Symbol:
MAAU6

Growth Characteristics

Height:
15 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
sep,oct,nov,dec
Bloom Colors:
purple, violet, white

Garden & Ecology Notes

Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, calcareous, rocky soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to Mediterranean regions with rocky terrain

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
Germination Time:
30–180 days
Notes:
Germination is erratic and may take several months. Fresh seed germinates more reliably than stored seed.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI